May 17, 2023 - The Chicago Journal

A Look at the History of the MLB World Series

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 17, 2023

Image commercially licensed from : Unsplash

Since the inception of the modern Major League Baseball World Series in 1903, the annual event has become a highly anticipated part of American culture over the last 120 years. It is a best-of-seven series between the two teams with the best records from each league – the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The winner of the series earns the title ‘World Champions’ and lifts the Commissioner’s Trophy.

Here, we’ll take you on a journey about baseball and highlight some key points in the history of the sport.

A Look Back at the Most Memorable MLB World Series Moments

The MLB World Series is one of the most exciting events in sports not only in America but globally. Most of the Major League Baseball fans treat the tournament very special and you would find them passionately making World Series predictions every year, and even placing a bet or two on the events.

Many fans will recall many unforgettable moments over the years, from Kirk Gibson’s iconic home run in 1988 to Joe Carter’s walk-off blast in 1993, Fans of the Boston Red Sox would vividly remember witnessing their team record a historic comeback against the New York Yankees in 2004, erasing a 3-0 deficit to win the series. David Freese’s triple to tie the game for the St Louis Cardinals in 2011 was another iconic moment. In deed, there have been a lot thrilling moments that will go down in baseball folklore for the rest of time.

Exploring the History of MLB’s Wild Card System

Previously, only four teams from each division would make it to the MLB post-season until the Wild Card system was introduced in 1994 in a bid to increase the number of teams that could compete for the play-offs. The switch 29 years ago means two additional teams from each league were given a chance to compete for the World Series. It was a positive move as it meant fans had a greater choice for their MLB picks and additional games to watch as more teams still had something to play for at the conclusion of the campaign. In 2012, an additional wild card team was added from each league, giving even more teams the opportunity to make it into the postseason, and the Wild Card system has been credited with increasing fan interest and viewership.

Changes in Player Salaries Over Time in the MLB World Series

Examining changes in player salaries over time in the MLB World Series can provide valuable insight into the evolution of baseball as a sport. We can see how much players are being paid now compared to the past by analyzing salary data from previous years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average Major League Baseball made $5,000 per season in the 1940 as the sport grew, compared to just $1,500 per season in the early 1900s.

Fast forward to the 21 century, and Alex Rodriguez signed a 10-year deal worth $275 million in 2007, an astronomical climb considering baseball legend Babe Ruth was said to have earned an $80,000 salary in 1931, around $1.5 million in today’s numbers.

Trends in Ticket Prices for the MLB World Series

Ticket prices for the Major League Baseball World Series have increased steadily over the years as the sport continues to be hugely popular in the United States and around the world. Demand for tickets is, of course, a key factor that affects pricing since high demand can lead to increased prices due to scarcity of tickets available. Team performance is another major factor in determining ticket prices since winning teams with star players tend to draw more fans, and so command higher prices to watch them live in action. Market size also plays an important role since larger markets can support higher ticket prices due to their greater population and larger fan bases.

The MLB World Series has a storied history, rich with memorable moments and iconic players that have shaped baseball. The popularity of baseball continues to grow and the MLB remains one of the key sports leagues in America today.

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iFLY Lincoln Park Soars to New Heights

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 17, 2023

If you’re in the market for an exciting experience in the Chicago area, consider iFLY Chicago (Lincoln Park) for your next adventure. Approximately 15,000 people visit the location annually. Here’s what keeps them coming back for more high-flying fun.

The state-of-the-art Lincoln Park facility has much to offer guests. Approximately 250 people a day can fly inside the patented iFLY Generation 6, a 12-foot recirculating vertical wind tunnel. Guests come to experience the thrill of freefall simulation as they float on iFLY’s wall-to-wall air. It’s a must-do experience for adrenaline seekers. However, the Chicago area branch also offers an educational STEM Program, a popular field trip for area schools and groups like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and corporate events.

Dave Genovese, general manager of iFLY Lincoln Park, says, “Day visitors from Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin comprise about one-third of our visitors, and a quarter of guests hail from areas outside of the Midwest.” However, within the Chicagoland area, the majority of visitors come from the west and south sides of the Windy City.

What Sets iFLY Chicago Apart From Other Family-Friendly Experiences?

Genovese says the Chicago location “offers an experience unlike any other.” Of course, the majority of visitors are eager to soar to new heights. But even people afraid of elevation or jumping out of an aircraft can enjoy the experience.

“The flight package with a High Flight upgrade is the most popular,” says Genovese. The High Flight upgrade is the ultimate thrill. First-time flyers typically float on air inside the vertical wind tunnel, approximately 3 to 6 feet above the net, within arm’s reach of the world-class instructor.

When guests choose the High Flight add-on, the instructor guides the student somewhere between 10 and 20 feet above the net. This YouTube video is an excellent example of a high flight at iFLY Chicago Lincoln Park.

It’s a popular pick for birthday parties. Party attendees have the option to fly inside the vertical wind tunnel. In addition, they receive first-timer training lessons, a flight suit, and goggles as part of the preflight process. A private room, pizza, and beverages are included in the cost of having a gathering at the facility.

It’s also a popular place to have corporate events. “It is an immersive experience,” says Genovese. “It’s very unique and a great way [to facilitate] team bonding.”

Additionally, the academic science, technology, engineering, and math program is incredibly popular. “At iFLY Lincoln Park, we host one or two STEM events daily during both the week and on weekends,” explains Genovese. So why should a teacher or scout leader consider bringing a group to the vertical wind tunnel? “It offers real-life applications to physics and the natural world,” says Genovese. “The vertical wind tunnel is a very visual piece of physics,” agrees Ellie Davis, Chicago area sales manager.

“It’s educational, but more importantly, it’s fun,” says Genovese.

Delivering the Dream of Flight

There are three locations in the Chicago area. In addition to the Lincoln Park facility, there are two slightly larger iFLY spaces in Naperville and Rosemont. The vertical wind tunnels are a popular tourist attraction, notes Genovese, adding that tourists make up the bulk of their customer base.

A report from Choose Chicago, the official destination marketing organization for the city, stated that in 2021 over 30 million tourists visited Chicago. Lynn Osmond, Choose Chicago’s president, said that by the end of 2023, the city’s tourism numbers are expected to return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

And iFLY is ready to give them the time of their lives. The facility, which opened in 2016, prides itself on being able to fly people of all ages and abilities. “If you can relax and let the wind do the work, it’s very accessible,” says Genovese.

Guests lean into the tunnel and let the air lift them up. There are numerous flight packages available for visitors to choose from so they can select the right option for their budget and experience level.

First-time flyers are accompanied in the wind by a world-class flight instructor who has passed a rigorous training course. It takes approximately six months to become a fully certified instructor and then about 100 hours of training a year to get to higher-level training positions. “The instructor supervises the experience, and you’re just along for the ride,” said CEO Matt Ryan. “The vast majority of our customers fall into out-of-home family entertainment, one-on-one experience with an instructor category.”

Beginners start out on their stomachs. “Over time, if you keep going, you’ll transition to your back; you’ll be able to fly on your back, then you’ll be able to sit fly, and ultimately, you can head-down fly. And that’s a very small percentage of the population,” said Ryan.

What makes Chicago a great location for multiple vertical wind tunnel facilities? “We want to be in locations where families come to eat, drink, shop, and be entertained. You won’t find us isolated,” said Ryan.

When you’re ready to fly like an eagle in Chicago, visit the Lincoln Park location to get started on your memorable journey.

Shaan Rais Revolutionizes Leadership with Groundbreaking Concept of Personal Brand Leadership

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 17, 2023

Highly experienced organizational development speaker and leadership expert, Shaan Rais, is revolutionizing the leadership space with his groundbreaking concept of Personal Brand Leadership. Shaan Rais is the #1 Best-Selling Author of The 7 Prerequisites To Success and has been personally mentored by the world-renowned Motivational Speaker, Dr. Eric Thomas.

Shaan’s recent #BrandedLikeALeader campaign has earned him a reputation as a top personal branding expert and catapulted him to influencer status in the online entrepreneurial space. This campaign empowered entrepreneurs to create and launch personal brands, resulting in Shaan being featured in leading publications such as Forbes, Inc Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Yahoo Finance.

What sets Shaan Rais apart from the rest is his extensive educational background in Business Psychology. He holds not one, not two, but three deeply scientific, evidence-based, and rigorous Master’s Degrees, and is currently pursuing two dissertations simultaneously, a PhD in Organizational Development and Change, and an EdD in Leadership for Cchange. Shaan is the only person in his niche with such a comprehensive educational background.

Shaan’s Personal Brand Leadership approach is an entirely new leadership style that infuses Personal Branding with Leadership Development, and he is the most qualified person to teach it. His approach has already helped hundreds of CEOs and business owners to scale their growth and impact, and to go from invisible to invincible using the Branded Like a Leader methodology of growing visibility, credibility, and profitability using social media or what Shaan calls Business Media.

With a proven track record of results, Shaan Rais is renowned for his high-energy presentations, evidence-based leadership development methodologies and tools, and ability to drive results. His unique approach, which combines cutting-edge research with practical insights, has made him a sought-after speaker for organizations and teams looking to overcome productivity bottlenecks, improve staff retention, and enhance overall performance.

Shaan Rais’s message is tailored to 7+ figure CEOs and 6+ figure entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to take their leadership and business to the next level. They are intelligent, experienced, and have the grit to go to the next level, but they need the right information to do so. Shaan’s approach is based on the premise that you cannot lead a business if you cannot lead yourself, and that old, antiquated leadership styles and business principles no longer cut it in the new artificial intelligence-laden, chat GPT world we live in.

Through Shaan Rais’s Personal Brand Leadership approach, his clients learn the easiest, safest, and most effective way to increase their IMPACT, INCOME, INFLUENCE, and INDEPENDENCE. Shaan Rais’s ultimate goal is to help his clients realize that they are the brand, and that they can and should grow their confidence to match the phenomenal things they have already accomplished in life.

As a highly sought-after professional speaker and thought leader, Shaan Rais is regularly published in leading publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and the Fast Company Executive Board. He is a business edified and clinically qualified professional who has built his entire business on Personal Brand Leadership.

If you want to learn more about Shaan Rais and Personal Brand Leadership, you can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Linkedin. Shaan Rais is the thought leader you need to take your personal branding and leadership development to the next level.

Sebastian Karnaby: A Manhattan Millionaire’s Journey in Real Estate

The Chicago Journal Staff on May 17, 2023

As New York City’s real estate market continues to thrive, one individual stands out among the crowd for his exceptional success and unwavering determination. Meet Sebastian Karnaby, a self-made millionaire who has made a name for himself in both the pharmaceutical business and the world of real estate investment.

Sebastian’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2010 when he established a chain of pharmacies across the city. However, his keen business acumen led him to recognize the immense potential of the real estate market in New York City. With his profits from the pharmaceutical industry, Sebastian made a bold decision to venture into real estate, marking the beginning of his remarkable success story.

In 2012, Sebastian’s business-savvy mind caught the attention of millions as he appeared on Bravo network’s popular show, “Million Dollar Listing.” The episode showcased his sharp investment skills as he purchased a townhouse on 16 Minnetta Ln for $2 million and, three years later, sold it for an impressive $4 million, nearly doubling his initial investment.

Since that pivotal moment, Sebastian’s real estate empire has continued to expand rapidly. With each investment, he has consistently achieved outstanding returns, far surpassing his initial investment. As of 2020, Sebastian was estimated to have a net worth of $53 million, a testament to his relentless pursuit of success in the real estate market.

What sets Sebastian apart from others is his ability to read the market and make astute investment decisions. He dedicates countless hours to analyzing market data and identifying properties that are undervalued or poised for significant growth. This meticulous approach allows him to capitalize on lucrative opportunities that others might overlook.

Of course, with any investment, there is always an element of risk involved. Sebastian readily acknowledges that not every venture has been a resounding success. However, he approaches each setback as a learning experience, continuously refining his investment strategy and adapting to market dynamics.

For those aspiring to enter the real estate market, Sebastian offers some valuable advice: conduct thorough research and exercise patience. It is crucial to take the time to identify the right opportunities and develop a long-term investment strategy. Success in real estate requires discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from both triumphs and setbacks.

As for Sebastian, his drive and ambition show no signs of waning. With an unwavering focus on the market and an insatiable thirst for success, he is poised to continue making significant contributions to the world of real estate for many years to come.